J.W. (John William) McGarvey (1829-1911) was one of the leading ministers and religious educators of the American Restoration Movement. His "Treatise on the Eldership" was published in the Apostolic Times 1869-1870, and appeared in book form in 1870 (though a pamphlet version may have existed earlier). After a careful examination of the relevant Scriptures and a consideration of the etymologies and 1st-century cultural contexts of key words, McGarvey surveys the elder's work with the plain language and practical exhortation for which he was well known. His examination of the topic is particularly pertinent to the Churches of Christ and the Independent Christian Churches, which are made up of autonomous congregations under this form of church government. Recording by David Russell Hamrick.